Strip uncoiler and control therefor



July 23, 1957 FiJ ed May 12, 1954 K. L. BANDY 2,800,288

STRIP UNCOILER AND CONTROL THEREFOR 2 Shee ts-Sheet 1 INVENTOR KENNETH L. BAMJY July 23, 1957 K. BANDY 2,800,288

STRIP UNCOILER AND CONTROL THEREFOR Filed May 12, 1954 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTIORK KENNETH 1.; 5mm

BY W W I A'f'roR EY nited- States Patent c mm Q Patented July 23, 1.957

STRIP UNCOILER AND CONTROL THEREFOR Kenneth L. Bandy, Youngstown, Ohio, assignor to The McKay Machine Company, Youngstown, Glue, a carporation of Ohio Application May 12, 1954, Serial No.,429,239 f 13 Claims. 01. 24268.4)

The present invention is concerned with uncoiling apparatus for metal strip and the like, and more particularly to specific improvements in uncoiling apparatus of known general types, having particular reference to the support and positioning of coils thereon.

As an overall object the present invention seeks to provide an uncoiler for use in strip lines and the like which is characterized by improved arrangements for safely and properly supporting coils of strip or sheet metal thereon and for easily and accurately adjusting the position of such coils with respect to other apparatus with which the uncoiler may be associated.

One of the salient objects of the invention is the provision in an uncoiler device of the type having aligned independently movable coil supporting heads and hydraulic or equivalent means for moving such coil support ing heads of a novel and efiicient arrangement for mechanically interlocking the coil supporting heads. The contemplated arrangement is such that after a coil is placed between the supporting heads, and the latter moved into coil supporting position by hydraulic cylinders, for example, the heads may be mechanically locked together so that the hydraulic or other motivating force may be removed from the heads.

Further, with respect to the above object, the invention contemplates the provision of a novel means for mechanically interlocking spaced coil supporting heads of an uncoiler device in such manner that a substantial clamping pressure may be maintained upon the coil. Thus, in press feed lines, for example, where feeding of the strip or sheet material is intermittent, the coil is maintained under substantial gripping pressure between the coil supporting heads so that after each feeding operation the rotating coil supports may be braked to a stop,-andalong with the latter the massive coil of material is also stopped. Often,

as material is paid oif of the coil thereof, the convolutions of the coil shift or yield somewhat and it is necessary to shift the coil supporting heads together slightly to maintain the desired clamping pressure. Accordingly, the invention further contemplates the provision of novel means for mechanically interlocking hydraulically or similarly driven coil supporting heads of an uncoiler in such manner that the heads may be moved together automatically, though mechanically interlocked, so that a desired clamping pressure is maintained.

Another object of the invention is the provision in an uncoiler of the type and having the characteristics and features above enumerated of improved means for controlling the movement of the coil supporting heads whereby to substantially avoid the likelihood of accidentally dropping heavy coils of sheet or strip material and whereby to cause automatic release of the mechanical interlock ing means during shifting or positioning of the coil supporting heads.

Yet another object of the invention is a provision of a strip or sheet uncoiling device having a pair of movable coil supporting heads of an improved actuating system for moving the coil supporting heads whereby maximum economies may be realized in power consumption, equipment Wear, and the like. More specifically, in this respect, the invention contemplates the provision of a novel hydraulic or equivalent actuating system for controlling the positioning of the coil supporting heads and for maintaining a desired coil clamping pressure therebetwee'ri wherein the hydraulic pump or pressure source is ant ployed for but a minimum portion of a normal operating cycle.

A still further and more specificobject of the invention is the provision in an uncoiling apparatus having a pair of coil supporting heads and means for shifting said heads laterally for positioning a coil of a novel means including a visual indicator to facilitate centering a coil with respect to the uncoiling and allied apparatus during the initial loading and clamping of the coil.

The above and other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon full consideration of the following detailed specification and accompanying drawing wherein is disclosed a certain preferred embodiment of the invention.

In the drawing:

Figure l is a front elevation of a sheet or strip uncoiling device embodying the various features of my inventiori;

Figure 2 is a side elevation of the apparatus of Figure 1; and

Figure 3 is a simplified schematic representation of a novel hydraulic circuit incorporated with the apparatus of Figure 1.

Referring now to the drawing, and initially to Figures 1 and 2 thereof the reference numeral 10 designates the base of my uncoiler apparatus which is formed of suitable structural members and which mounts aligned pairs of tracks or ways 11. Mounted on the ways 11 for sliding movement toward and away from each other are coil supporting heads 12 and 13 which are generally conventional, excepting for certain improvements herein described.

Both coil supporting heads 12 and 13 are provided with horizontally disposed journals 14 mounting rotatable conical coil supports 15. The supports 15 are adapted to be inserted into the eye of a coil 16 of sheet or strip material to rotatably support the coil in aligned relation with allied apparatus such as levelers, presses and the like, not shown.

Mounted on the base 10 and connecting the movable coil supporting heads 12 and 13 are hydraulic cylinders 17 and 18 respectively which, in accordance with preferred practice, are independently actuated to move either or both of the heads 12 and 13 inwardly or outwardly of the pay-off or pass line. 7

As conventionally employed, the uncoiler apparatus is made ready to receive a coil by moving the heads li and 13 apart. Next, a new coil 16' is moved between the separated heads 12 and 13 by means of a suitable transfer car 19 having a coil lift 20 thereon. After the coil is aligned with the conical supports 15 the heads 12 and 13 are caused to move together upon suitable actuation of the cylinders 17 and 18 so that the coil 16 is firmly gripped between and supported by the conical supports 15.

H In the illustrated apparatus the coil supporting head 13 is provided with suitable means including a drive motor 21, gear reducer 22, drive linkage 23 and clutch 24 to rotate the right hand support 15, and hence the coil 16, under power so that the strip or sheet material may be readily peeled off of the coil for threading into. a leveler, for example, or other allied equipment. In a like manner the coil supporting head 12 is provided with suitable braking means represented generally at 25 for braking the left hand support 15, and hence the coil 16, to a stop at desired times. The brake means 25, as well as the V 3 drive means 21-24, may be purely conventional and forms no part of the present invention.

Referring now to Figure 3, the reference numeral 26 designatesa motor for driving a suitable hydraulic pump 27, the latter connecting a reservoir or sump. 28 and pressure conduits 29 and 30. Connecting with pressure conduit 30, through four-way valves 31 and 32 respectively are actuating cylinders 17 and 18 connecting coil supporting heads 12 and 13 respectively, heretofore described- The valves 31 and 32 are of a three-position type, having a neutral position, a-forward? or in position and a retracted or out position. 1

Leading from the 'rod end of cylinder 17 is a conduit 33 which connects directly with valve 31. Leading from the head end of cylinder 17 is a conduit 34 which connects with the valve 31 through a pressure responsive valve 35 and conduit 36, the valve 35 being so arranged as to permit the passage of fluid therethrough from conduit 34 to conduit 36 only in response to the appearance or existence of a predetermined pressure within the conduit 34. However, connecting conduits 34 and 36 in parallel with the pressure responsive valve 35 is a check valve 37 which is oriented in such manner as to readily pass fluid around the valve 35 in a direction from conduit 36 to conduit 34, or into cylinder 17 while preventing reverse flow of fluid except through valve 35. a a

In the illustrated arrangement, with valve 31 in its neutral position, conduits 36 and 33 are open to each other and to a return conduit 72. When the spool of valve 31 is shifted to its forward position (to the right) conduit 36 is connected through conduit 73 with the pressure conduit 30, while conduit 33 is connected to the exhaust or return conduit 72. Thus, if there is fluid pressure in conduit 30 the coil supporting head 12 will move inwardly.

When valve 31 is moved to its retracted or ou position (to the left) the rod end of cylinder 17 is connected directly to the pressure conduit 30, while the head end of the cylinder is connected through relief valve 35 to exhaust. Thus, if there is sufficient pressure in the main conduit 30 the coil supporting head 12 moves outwardly or in a retracting direction against the back pressure established by relief valve 35.

With reference to the operation and control of coil supporting head 13 and actuating cylinder 18 therefor,

controlled by valve 32, such operation is identical with that of coil supporting head 12, as above described, and

no further description will be undertaken. Direct reference to the various circuit components involved may be had by comparing the components associated with cylinder 17 with primed counterparts associated with cylinder 18.

For operating the coil lift 20 there is provided a vertically disposed hydraulic cylinder 38 which 'is mounted on the transfer car 19 and which connects through a conventional four-way valve 39 and check valve 4t? with the pressure main 30. The check valve is so arranged that fluid may pass from the pressure conduit 30 to cylinder 38, but not in the opposite direction.

To initially mount a coil in the described apparatus the transfer car 19 is moved into position between the coil supporting heads 12 and 13 and the spool of valve 39 is shifted to the left to direct fluid into the lower end of cylinder 38, it being assumed that the motor 26 and pump 27 are operating at this time. The coil is thus aligned with the supports 15, and at this time valves 32 4 head end of cylinder 17. Coil supporting head 12 then tends to move inwardly, applying pressure on the coil 16 and on the opposite coil supporting head 13. Thus, the

fluid pressure at the head end of cylinder 18 builds up to a predetermined value to open relief valve 35, and coil supporting head backs off against a regulated restraining pressure as determined by valve 35'.

It will be noted that centering of coils may be effected by actuating only one valve, and that clamping pressure is at all times maintained since as one coil supporting head is moved inwardly the other backs 01f against a predetermined restraining force. This basic idea is the subject of U. S. patent application Ser. No. 274,026, of Russell T. Todd et al., filed February 28, 1952, for Uncoiler with Side Shift Control, which application is owned in common with the present application.

To facilitate centering a coil I have provided a novel device comprising anair or hydraulic cylinder 41 which is mounted on the coil supporting head 13 and which carries an enlarged coil engaging member 42 and indicating pointer 43 on its piston rod. On the base 10 there is provided a suitable scale 44, indicating distance from the center of the uncoiler apparatus, the scale preferably reflecting coil sizes, however, rather than direct distance measurements. Thus, where a thirty inch coil .is supported on the uncoiler apparatus and the coil engaging member 42 is brought into contact therewith by suitable energization of cylinder 41, the indicator 43 should read 30" on the scale 44 if the coil is properly centered.- If the indicator is to one side or the other of the 30 mark the appropriate valve 31 or 32 is shifted to its forward position and the heads 12 and 13 and coil 16 are shifted transversely in the proper direction. The member 42 of course remains in contact with the coil so that the indicator 43 at all times reflects the exact position of the coil, and as soon as the indicator is aligned with the 30 mark the valve 31 or 32 is returned to its neutral position. At this time cylinder 41 is reversely energized so that the coil engaging member 42 is retracted from the coil.

Once the coil is properly supported and centered l desire to mechanically interlock the spaced coil supporting heads 12' and 13, as per the stated objects of the invention. To this end I provide an elongated rack 45 having a series of ratchet teeth 45 thereon, the rack being carried by coil supporting head 12 and extending ransversely of the uncoiling apparatus, adjacent the opposite coil supporting head 13. On the last mentioned coil supporting head 13 there is provided a bracket 46 having a lower surface 47 for supporting the rack 45, and having means to pivotally mount a rack-engaging pawl 48. The bracket 46 carries at its inner or forward end a housing 49 for a spring 50 which bears downwardly upon the forward end of the pawl 48 whereby to urge the rackengaging teeth thereof into interlocking engagement with the rack 45. At the other end of the bracket 46 is a small hydraulic cylinder 51, which is preferably of the type having spring means 52 (Figure 3) to urge the piston in a retracting direction. 'Ihus, normally the cylinder 51 is inoperative and retracted so that the pawl is pressed into engagement with the rack 45, interlocking the supporting heads 12 and 13, while at desired times the cylinder 51 may be energized to pivot the pawl 48 out of engagement with the rack 45.

In accordance with the teachings of the invention I propose to mechanically interconnect or interlock the spaced coil supporting heads 12 and 13 following the proper supporting and centering of the coil 16 so that the main actuating cylinders 17 and 18 need not be hydraulically energized during the whole of the uncoiling operation. However, it is necessary to maintain a certain clamping pressure upon the coil 16 so that threading of the strip and braking of the coil may be properly effected. Thus, I provide means on the coil supporting head 12 for adjusting the rack 45 to a limited extent so that after generate the pawl 43 is properlyengaged the supporting heads12 and 13 may be drawn together, if necessary, or at least so thatthe rack 45 may be placed under tension to maintain the supporting heads 12-and 13 in tight engagement with the coil 16.

Referring again to Figure 1, there is provided on the left hand coil supporting head 12 a guiding bracket 53 which supports the rack 45 for movement transversely of the supporting head 12. At the extreme left end of the rack 45 there is provided an upwardly extending cam block 54 having a generally flat surface which is inclined somewhat from the vertical. Spaced to the right or" the cam block 54 and mounted rigidly on the coil supporting head 12 is a second cam block 55 having an oppositely inclined cam surface. Positioned between the blocks 54 and 55 is a wedge 56, the opposite side surfaces of which are in engagement with the inclined surfaces of the cam blocks 54 and 55. And in accordance with the preferred teachings of the invention the wedge 56 is secured to the piston member of a hydraulic cylinder 57 carried by the supporting head 12. A spring 58 is provided to normally urge the rack 45 and cam block 54 toward the fixed cam block 55, while upon downward extending movement of the cylinder 57 the wedge 56 causes separation of the cam blocks.

It will be apparent that after the heads 12 and 13 are moved into coil supporting position and the pawl 43 caused to engage with the rack 45 the teeth of the pawl and rack may not exactly coincide. Thus, the invention contemplates that during the initial positioning of the coil supporting heads 12 and 13 the cylinder 57 and wedge 56 will be withdrawn and the rack 45 urged to the right by spring 53. After the heads 12 and 13 are in coil supporting position and the rack and pawl engaged, cylinder 57 is energized to cause the wedge 56 to move downwardly, displacing the cam block 54 and rack 45 to the left so that the rack and pawl are drawn into tight engagement. In accordance with the preferred teachings of the invention the wedge 56 and cam blocks 54 and 55 are self-locking so that the wedge cannot be forced upwardly except upon appropriate energization of cylin der 57. And further in accordance with the teachings of the invention the wedge and cam blocks are so arranged that a complete downward movement of the wedge 56 will cause a displacement of therack 45 a distance somewhat greater than the pitch between the ratchet teeth of the rack 45. It is thus assured that the rack and pawl will be brought into tight interlocking engagement regardless of the fact that the same do not initially register in the proper manner.

Of course, in order to shift the coil supporting heads one with respect to the other it is necessary that the pawl and rack be first disengaged, and it is one of the features of the invention to provide for the automatic disengagement of these parts before the main actuating cylinders may be energized. Thus, referring again to Figure 3, the pump 27 communicates through conduit 29 and check valve 59 with a foot-operated master valve 60, the latter preferably being of a two-position four-way type. In the illustrated operating circuit the master valve 60 is provided with a spring 61 which normally maintains the valve plunger in a retracted position wherein fluid is directed from conduit 29 through conduit 62 and normally open pressure responsive valve 63- into the upper end of the wedge operating cylinder 57. Also communicating with the cylinder 57 is a gas-hydraulic accumulator 64, the purpose of which will be later described;

Valve 63 is of a well known conventional construction, comprising an actuating piston 63a, the upper end of which is in communication with the wedge operating cylinder 57, through pilot conduit 63b, and a valve piston 63c which is urged upwardly into a normally open position by a spring 63d; As the pressure in line 62 and cylinder 57' builds. up, the unbalance. of. forces caused. by the. different diameters. of. pistons-63a and 63'c'eventually r 6 overcomes the spring 63d and forces the valve piston 630 into a valve closing position.

Connected in parallel with the pressure responsive valve 63 is a check valve 65 which is so oriented as to permit the free passage of fluid out of the upper end of cylinder 57, while preventing inward flow of fluid except through the pressure responsive valve 63.

Assuming the pump 27 to be operating, and the master valve 60 to be in its illustrated normal position, fluid is directed into the upper end of cylinder 57 to force the wedge 56 downwardly, drawing the rack into tight engagement with pawl 48. To avoid excessive pressure upon the wedge 56 the valve 63 is arranged to close in response to the appearance in the cylinder 57 of a pre* determined fluid pressure300 p. s. i., for example.

Connecting the conduit 62, at the outlet side of valve 66, is a pilot conduit 66 leading to the operator of a pressure responsive control switch 67. Theswitch 67 has normally closed contacts in the power circuit for the pump operating motor 26 so that when the pressure in conduit 62 reaches a certain value the motor 26 is deenergized. In the illustrated apparatus and circuit the pressure switch 67 is arranged to open at about 950 p. s. i. and to close again when the pressure in conduit 62 drops to about 450 p. s. i.

Thus, it will be noted that when the motor 26 is initially energized pressure is built up in the main conduits 29 and 39. At this time all valves are in their illustrated positions so that fluid is directed into conduit 62 to charge accumulator 64 and to move the wedge 56 downward-1y. When the pressure in cylinder 57 reaches about 300 p. s. i. valve 63 closes, but the accumulator 64 is further charged to a pressure of about 950 p. s. i. whereupon pressure switch 67 opens de-e'nergizing the pump motor 26. It will be noted that atthis time manipulation of valves 31, 32 and 39 is without effect since the pump 27 is inoperative, and the fluid pressure maintained by the accumulator 64 is isolated from conduit 30 by the check valve 59.

If through leakage or otherwise the pressure in the accumulator 64 and connected components drops to about 450 p. s. i. the pressure switch 67 closes momentarily to energize motor 26 to recharge the system to 950' p. s. i.

To shift the coil supporting heads 12 and 13 the footoperated master valve is first operated by stepping upon pedal 69. This opens conduit 62 and accumulator 64 to exhaust, dropping the fluid pressure therein substantially to zero and causing pressure switch 67 to close. The power circuit to motor 26 is thereby completed again and fluid is directed into conduits 29 and 39. And with the spool of valve 60 in its forward position fluid is directed from conduit 29 through conduit 79 into the lower or rod end of cylinder 57 to lift the wedge 56.

Communicating with conduit is a conduit 71 leading to the upper end of the pawl operating cylinder 51, so that simultaneously with the raising of wedge 56 the pawl is pivoted out of engagement with the rack 45, against the restraining action of spring 50. When cylinders 57 and 51 bottom full pressure is available in conduit 30 and appropriate manipulation of valves 31 and/or 32 will cause fluid to be directed into the main operating cylinders to shift coil supporting heads 12 and/or 13 as maybe desired. Also at this time the coil lift cylinder :3 may be actuated "by suitable manipulation of valve After the main actuating cylinders and/or the coil lift cylinder have been manipulated as desired the valves 31, 32 and 39 are returned to neutral positions and the operator takes his foot off of the pedal 69 and fluid is again directed into conduit 62 while conduits 70 and 71 are opened to exhaust. As heretofore described, this causes the pawl to be engaged with rack 45 andthe wedge 56 to be moved downwardly to-draw the'rack into tight interlocking relation with the pawl. The motor 26,

"7 of course, is de-energized as soon as the accumulator 64 is properly charged.

It will be noted that the accumulator 64 maintains a continuing pressure at the valve 63 so that if the same opens because of loss of pressure within cylinder 57 fluid'is immediately directed into the cylinder to raise the pressure therein to the desired value. Thus, if the convolutions of the coil 16 shift or yield slightly, so that the clamping pressure applied by the coil supporting heads is lowered, the wedge 56 will tend to move downwardly to draw the coil supporting heads together. Full operating pressure is always available at cylinder 57 for this purpose, of course, through the coaction of pressure responsive valve 63 and accumulator 64, the latter being charged at all times in excess of the pressure at which valve 63 opens.

It should thus be apparent that I have fulfilled the several objects initially set forth. My apparatus is highly advantageous in that after proper clamping and positioning therein of a coil of strip or sheet material the coil supporting heads may be mechanically interconnected and hydraulic pressure is released from most of the *system and components therein. Thus, the hydraulic pump and driving means therefor may be deenergized much of the time, affording substantial savings in equipment Wear and power consumption as will be readily apparent. Moreover, my novel mechanical interlocking arrangement is such that at all times a clamping pressure may be maintained upon the coil, and if at any time the coil tends to become loose the mechanical interconnection is automatically taken up.

Another novel feature of my uncoiler apparatus and control system is the combination with means for mechanically interconnecting spaced independently mova'ble coil supporting heads of a master valve 60 which must be operated prior to operation of the main cylinders 17 and 18 and which when operated automatically releases the mechanical interlock between the coil supporting heads 12 and 13. Not only does this arrangement aflord positive protection against accidentally energizing the coil supporting heads while the same are mechanically engaged, but there is afforded further substantial protection against unintentionally dropping or shifting a coil. Thus, if a careless operator accidentally strikes or leans against any of the operating levers for valves 31 and 32 the coil supporting heads 12 and 13 are not affected in any way. The valves 31 and 32 are simply inoperative in this respect until the foot-operated master valve is operated, and it is of course highly remote that both the master valve 60 and any of the valves 31, 32 and 39 would be unintentionally operated at the same time.

Another novel feature of the invention is my simple centering guide which may be operated from a central control board remote of the machine and having direct reading indicia whereby an operator may determine at a glance, knowing the size of the coil, whether the coil is centered, and if not in which direction a correcting adjustment is required. The centering guide comprises an air cylinder which is energized after the coil is supported in position to move a coil engaging member into contact with the side edge of the coil, a direct reading pointer being carried by the movable member of the cylinder to accurately gauge the position of the coil engaging member. After the coil is properly centered the cylinder is de-energized or retracted so that the coil engaging member is not worn or damaged during the uncoiling procedure.

It should be understood, however, that the embodiment herein specifically illustrated and described is intended to be illustrative only as many alterations may be made therein within the clear teachings of the invention. Reference should therefore be had to the following appended claims in determining the full scope of the invention.

I claim:

1. In an uncoiling device of the type having a base, spaced independently movable coil supporting heads on said base, and fluid means to move said supporting heads; the improvement which comprises a mechanical member carried by one of said coil supporting heads and extending adjacent the other of said coil supporting heads, means on said other of said coil supporting heads for engaging and interlocking with said mechanical member, and means on said one coil supporting head for adjusting said mechanical member.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1 further characterized by said mechanical member comprising a rack, and said means for engaging and interlocking with said mechanical member comprising a pawl having teeth for engaging said rack.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1 further characterized by said mechanical member having a cam surface at the end thereof adjacent said one coil supporting head, a second cam surface on said coil supporting head, and wedge means carried in movable relation on said one coil supporting head and adapted to act on said cam surfaces to adjust said mechanical member with respect to said one coil supporting head.

4. Apparatus according to claim 1 further characterized by said fluid means for moving said coil supporting heads including means to automatically disengage said interlocking means prior to moving said coil sup porting heads.

5. In an uncoiling device of the type having a base, spaced independently movable coil supporting heads on said base, and means to move said supporting heads; the improvement which comprises a mechanical member carried by one of said coil supporting heads and extending adjacent the other of said coil supporting heads, means on said other of said coil supporting heads for engaging said mechanical member, and means on one of said coil supporting heads for adjusting said mechanical member independently of said means for engaging the same.

6. Apparatus according to claim 5 further characterized by said means for adjusting said mechanical member comprising a wedge-like member, a fluid cylinder for actuating said wedge-like member, and means providing a constant source of fluid pressure at said cylinder for maintaining a continuing pressure upon said wedge-like member.

7. Apparatus for mechancially interconnecting spaced coil supporting heads of a strip uncoiler comprising an elongated horizontally disposed rack-like member carried by one of said coil supporting heads and extending adjacent the other of said coil supporting heads, a pawl member movably mounted on said other of said coil supporting heads, means to move said pawl into and out of engagement with said rack-like member, and independent means acting through said rack tending to draw said coil supporting heads together.

8. In an uncoiling device of the type having a base, spaced movable coil supporting heads on said base, and fluid means to move said supporting heads; the improvement which comprises a mechanical member carried by one of said coil supporting heads and extending adjacent the other of said coil supporting heads, means on said other of said coil supporting heads for engaging and interlocking with said mechanical member, a fluid actuator for said last mentioned means, and fluid circuitry associated with said actuator and said fluid means whereby actuation of said fluid means is conditioned upon prior disengagement of said last mentioned meansfrom said mechanical member.

9. Apparatus according to claim 8 further including means independent of said means for interlocking with said mechanical member for adjusting said mechanical member, a fluid actuator for said adjusting means, means comprising a hydraulic pump and drive motor therefor and an accumulator for maintaining a pressure on said fluid actuator, a pressure switch for maintaining said drive motor inoperative when said accumulator is charged to a predetermined pressure, and a master valve for simultaneously relieving pressure from said accumulator and pressure switch and causing said first mentioned actuator to disengage said interlocking means.

10. In an uncoiling device of the type having a base, spaced independently movable coil supporting heads on said base, fluid operators for said supporting heads, mechanical interlocking means for said coil supporting heads including a fluid actuated adjusting device therefor, and a hydraulic pump and drive motor; the improvement comprising means connecting said fluid pump and fluid actuated adjusting device comprising a master valve and an accumulator, a check valve between said master valve and said pump, conduit means connecting said fluid actuators to said pump, a pressure switch connecting said accumulator and arranged to de-energize said drive motor upon charging of said accumulator to a predetermined pressure, said master valve having circuit means to relieve pressure in said accumulator.

11. Apparatus according to claim 10 further characterized by fluid conduit means connecting said adjusting device and said master valve in parallel with said accumulator whereby upon actuation of said master valve said adjusting means is retracted while pressure is relieved from said accumulator, and further including a fluid actuator for disengaging said interlocking means, and conduit means connecting said fluid actuator and said fluid conduit means.

12. In an uncoiling device of the type having a base, spaced independently movable coil supporting heads on said base, mechanical interlocking means for said coil supporting heads including a fluid actuated adjusting device therefor, and a hydraulic pump anddrivc motor; the improvement comprising means connecting said fluid pump and fluid actuated adjusting device comprising an accumulator and pressure responsive valve, said pressure responsive valve being connected between said accumulator and said fluid actuated device and being operative in response to a predetermined pressure in said actuating device to prevent the inflow of fluid to said device, and a pressure switch connecting with said accumulator and having switching contacts for de-energizing said drive motor in response to a predetermined maxi-,

mum pressure in said accumulator and for re-energizing said drive motor in response to a predetermined minimum pressure in said accumulator, said predetermined minimum pressure being in excess of said first mentioned predetermined pressure.

13. Apparatus according to claim 12 further including a check valve between said pump and said pressure switch, and conduit means connecting said pump on the inlet side of said check valve, fluid actuating means for said coil supporting heads, valve means connecting said last mentioned conduit means and said actuating means, and a master valve to relieve pressure from said accumulator.

14. Apparatus according to claim 13 further characterized by a fluid actuator for disengaging said interlocking means, and conduit means connecting said fluid actuator with said master valve whereby said interlocking means is disengaged upon manipulation of said master valve to relieve pressure from said accumulator.

15. A centering indicator for an uncoiling device of the type having a base, spaced independently movable coil supporting heads on said base and independent fluid actuators for said heads comprising an independently operated fluid cylinder mounted on one of said coil supporting heads and having a movable piston member, a coil engaging member and an indicating pointer carried by said piston member, and an indicating scale on said base cooperating with said pointer.

16. A centering indicator for an uncoiling device of the type having a base, spaced independently movable coil supporting heads on said base and independent fluid actuators for said heads comprising an independently operated actuator carried in fixed relation on one of said coil supporting heads, said actuator having a movable member, a coil engaging member carried on said movable member and adapted upon energization of said actuator to move into contact with the side edge of a coil supported on said heads, an indicating pointer connecting said coil engaging member and movable in direct response to movements thereof, and an indicating scale on said base cooperating with said pointer.

17. In an uncoiling device of the type having a base, spaced independently movable coil supporting heads on said base, and fluid means to move said supporting heads together; the improvement which comprises mechanical means to interlock said supporting heads to prevent separation thereof, and mechanical adjusting means forming part of said means to interlock for adjusting the relative positions of said coil supporting heads independently of said fluid means.

18. In an uncoiling device of the type having oppositely disposed independently movable coil supporting heads, individual hydraulic operating cylinders for said heads, and hydraulic actuating circuitry for said cylinders; the improvement in said actuating circuitry comprising conduit members connecting each end of each of said cylinders, four-way valves for each of said cylinders whereby fluid may be directed into either end of either of said cylinders for the independent inward and outward movement of said coil supporting heads, pressure responsive valves connecting one of the ends of each of said cylinders whereby upon outward movement of said coil supporting heads fluid is caused to pass through said pressure responsive valves, said pressure responsive valves being arranged to open in response to a predetermined pressure in the said one end of the cylinder to which it is connected, and check valves connected in parallel with said pressure responsive valves and oriented to permit free passage of fluid into the said one end of each cylinder.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,208,419 Walser et a1. Dec. 12, 1916 2,250,025 Klein July 22, 1941 2,262,118 Sieger Nov. 11, 1941 2,567,670 Iversen et a1 Sept. 11, 1951 

